2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek Preview

Exterior FeaturesBased on the Subaru Impreza 5-door hatchback, the new 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek offers a raised suspension with 8.7 inches of ground clearance that the automaker notes is "higher than for most other crossovers and even some dedicated SUVs." Other unique XV Crosstrek identifiers include restyled front and rear bumpers, black bodyside and wheel arch moldings, black roof rails, rear spoiler, and dark-tinted rear privacy glass. The XV Crosstrek also gets a unique set of 17-inch aluminum wheels.

Under the HoodSubaru installs a 2.0-liter, horizontally opposed 4-cylinder engine in the new 2013 XV Crosstrek, a design commonly referred to as a Boxer engine for the way the pistons jab outward from the crankshaft toward the sides of the car.

In the XV Crosstrek, this engine makes 148 horsepower. A 5-speed manual gearbox with Incline Start Assist is standard on Premium models. A Lineartronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) is optional on Premium and standard on Limited models, and includes paddle shifters with six different pre-set ratios for greater driver control.

As on all Subaru models, all-wheel drive is standard. With the manual transmission, the XV Crosstrek uses a viscous-coupling center locking differential to split power 50/50 front-to-rear and re-distributes power as necessary based on wheel slippage. With the CVT, an Active Torque Split system primarily drives the front wheels until wheel slippage dictates up to 100% power transfer to the rear wheels.

Fuel EconomyOfficial EPA fuel-economy estimates are not available as this preview is written, but Subaru is projecting that the XV Crosstrek with a CVT will get 25 mpg in the city, 33 mpg on the highway, and 28 mpg combined.

SafetyLike all Subarus, the XV Crosstrek employs what the automaker calls a Ring-Shaped Reinforcement Frame design. Seven air bags, stability and traction control, and 4-wheel-disc brakes with brake assist and larger front rotors than are found on the Impreza are standard. The XV Crosstrek also has a Brake Override system that the automaker says makes it impossible to accelerate if the brake and accelerator are pressed at the same time.